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New Zealand
Cricket 

South Africa on top despite Grandhomme’s hundred

Team MVR

South Africa extended their lead to 211 after Colin de Grandhomme’s unbeaten 120 outshone Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul to keep New Zealand alive on Day 3 of the second Test in Christchurch on Sunday.

Despite de Grandhomme’s heroics, New Zealand conceded a 71-run lead after being bowled out for 293. However, the bowlers kept the Black Caps’ hopes alive by restricting South Africa to 140/5 at stumps on day three.

Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne was 22 not out and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder on 10, the pair’s steadying 36-run partnership boosting the Proteas’ chances of batting New Zealand out of the game.

A Colin de Grandhomme century pushed New Zealand to 293 in reply to the Proteas’ first innings 364, before the hosts’ seamers scythed through their top order to restrict them to 42 for three at tea.

Tim Southee trapped opener Sarel Erwee lbw for eight, then had South Africa captain Dean Elgar caught behind for 13. Matt Henry bowled number three Aiden Markram for 14.

That New Zealand remain in the game is a credit to all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme, who strolled off with 120 not out, having anchored a 133-run stand with Daryl Mitchell.